teTeX, pTeX and CSTeX make use of vulnerable Xpdf code which may allow the remote execution of arbitrary code. Furthermore, the xdvizilla script is vulnerable to temporary file handling issues.

Background=========

teTeX is a complete and open source TeX distribution. CSTeX is another TeX distribution including Czech and Slovak support. pTeX is another alternative that allows Japanese publishing with TeX. xdvizilla is an auxiliary script used to integrate DVI file viewing in Mozilla-based browsers.

teTeX, pTeX and CSTeX all make use of Xpdf code and may therefore be vulnerable to the various overflows that were discovered in Xpdf code (CAN-2004-0888, CAN-2004-0889, CAN-2004-1125 and CAN-2005-0064). Furthermore, Javier Fernandez-Sanguino Pena discovered that the xdvizilla script does not handle temporary files correctly.

Impact=====

An attacker could design a malicious input file which, when processed using one of the TeX distributions, could lead to the execution of arbitrary code. Furthermore, a local attacker could create symbolic links in the temporary files directory, pointing to a valid file somewhere on the filesystem. When xdvizilla is called, this would result in the file being overwritten with the rights of the user running the script.

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website:

http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200501-31.xml

Concerns?========

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at http://bugs.gentoo.org.